A/CDS message – Update to members of the CAF on the COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

November 5, 2021 - Defence Stories

I am proud of how you, our CAF members, have led the way in getting vaccinated. Our rates have been superb. After the initial CDS Directive on CAF COVID-19 vaccination, it is encouraging to see the numbers of CAF members who are fully vaccinated, and who have attested to their vaccination status continue to increase. As of November 4th, more than 95% of eligible CAF members have received their first dose, and 92% are fully vaccinated and between the Regular Force and the Primary Reserve close to 94% have attested to their status. The CAF remains committed to supporting Canadians, having recently completed operations in Alberta, and continuing to work hard in Saskatchewan and in Nunavut. I remain inspired by your selfless service to Canadians at home and around the world.

The pandemic still poses a serious threat to CAF operations on all fronts, as we continue to see the spread of variants of concern throughout Canada and in theatres of operations, where many of you are currently deployed.

As an update to the initial CDS Directive on CAF COVID-19 Vaccination, I just issued a second directive to address the implementation of accommodations and administrative measures within the CAF. Specifically, CAF members are now being directed to be fully vaccinated unless they cannot be vaccinated due to a certified medical contraindication, religious grounds, or any other prohibited grounds of discrimination as defined in the Canadian Human Rights Act.  This direction is to protect the readiness, health, and safety of the Force, the entire Defence Team, as well as members of the public we currently serve and who we may be called upon to support in the future. Remember, our role is to protect Canada and Canadians.

In the coming weeks those members of the CAF who are unable or unwilling to be vaccinated will be subject to accommodations or administrative measures. The directive clearly lays out what those accommodations or administrative measures will be. For those unwilling to be vaccinated, those administrative measures could culminate with a release from the CAF. The directive provides information on additional training materials and information sessions for members of the Defence Team who remain unvaccinated or who may have additional questions.

CAF success has always been predicated on teamwork. This remains a team effort to protect ourselves, Canadians, and our readiness and ability to serve at home and abroad. Thank you again for your outstanding support and please remember to continue to look out for one another.

General Wayne Eyre
Acting Chief of the Defence Staff